CLUBS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Coronavirus shutdown could lead to FNQ football’s new shape
Young Shark talent at sea
DANTORAY Lui’s first season at the Cronulla Sharks hasn’t quite gone to plan.
The talented playmaker was forced to sit out the start of the season with the club’s SG Ball Cup side after undergoing knee surgery in the off-season.
Then, just as he became available for selection, his hopes of earning a debut with the Sharks’ under-18s were dashed when the NSWRL cancelled nine competitions for the 2020 season, including the SG Ball Cup, in response to the coronavirus crisis.
But, despite having to put his rugby league journey on hold, the 18-year-old Cairns product is more determined than ever to make the big time.
AN EXTENSIVE review of FNQ Football clubs could result in the formation of designated feeder and development entities – and possibly spell the end of clubs in oversaturated markets.
FNQ Football’s merger with North Queensland Football was announced shortly before the sport was suspended due to the coronavirus, which has allowed officials to focus their energy into determining how football in Cairns will look in the new model.
North Queensland Football general manager Declan Carnes outlined the potential future for FNQ Football clubs during his visit to Cairns and the Tablelands
at the end of last week.
The viability of FNQ’s clubs is a hot topic, with more than 20 clubs in the region ranging from small market clubs to others with a presence in every offered division.
Privately, officials at some clubs have long been concerned about the oversaturation of clubs in parts of Cairns where demographic projections don’t support the need and placement of such entities.
It could take some time to happen, but the spotlight has already been turned on clubs in an effort to ensure they all have a purpose in building the game and its competitions, rather than diluting numbers.
Clubs’ roles could be strategically aligned with population projections to ensure they are best-placed to grow the strength of football in Cairns and the surrounding regions.
While Carnes is still working through the affiliation process, he has flagged a need for a serious discussion about the future of clubs and competitions in FNQ.
“All clubs need to understand they have to run their clubs as if it’s a business,” Carnes said.
“It may be that the future is certain clubs are identified as being senior clubs or growth hubs located in different areas purely for demographics and, population growth, and their
LATRELL Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr have been fined by NSW Police for breaking social-distancing laws as the NRL continues to investigate their weekend gathering near Taree.
Mitchell admitted on Instagram the Kangaroos stars had “slipped up”, as he and the Melbourne winger both apologised for their behaviour. Photos posted by Addo-Carr showed the pair with 10 other men around a fire, prompting the NRL to label the pictures as disappointing and unacceptable.
The fine also came on the same day the league further pushed its claim for a return, discussing its strict biosecurity rules with clubs.
FULL STORY PAGE 30
facilities, and other clubs need to look at joining or having a memorandum of understanding with them.
“The zone may need to make some tough decisions with smaller clubs wherever they sit. If they’re close to another club (it could be) restricting the licence they hold.
“These will all be decisions made in the best interests in growing the game which the majority will agree on.”